Definitions

happen

[hap-uhn] / ˈhæp ən /

VERB

come to pass; occur

Synonyms

STRONGEST

appear arise arrive crop up develop fall go on hit materialize meet pass result take effect take place transpire

STRONG

befall betide bump chance down ensue eventuate follow issue light proceed recur shake smoke spring stumble supervene

WEAK

be found become a fact become known become of come about come after come into being come into existence come off luck present itself stumble upon turn out turn up what goes

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cease disappear fail halt lose stop

STRONG

precede

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

"I do not know what will happen in that by-election."

From BBC • May 15, 2026

That doesn’t tend to happen in the cyclical chip business.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

"The only question is when it will happen," he added.

From Barron's • May 15, 2026

L.A. is proof that sometimes all you need is a car, a streetlamp and that orange light to make something really special happen.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

And I tried my hardest to ignore the dark feeling deep inside that told me that was never, ever going to happen.

From "Code Name Kingfisher" by Liz Kessler

happen

Example Sentences

Related Words